Officer Quarles and Officer Smith fired their weapons and Sergeant Eckersley was not involved in the deadly force but did use his vehicle to block the suspect vehicle in the parking lot, according to a Spokane police press release.

On Oct. 4., Spokane police officers noticed a car that matched the stolen car's description. Officers noticed the car was occupied. The person who stole the car had a gun when he did it, so officers believed the occupant of the car was armed.

Spokane Police Chief Craig Meidl said the officers blocked the vehicle in to reduce the risk to the community. Meidl went on to explain an armed female passenger got out of the car, but cooperated with officers. Meidl said the male driver stayed in the car and was not listening to commands, so officers fired their weapons at the him. The driver succumbed to his injuries. The female passenger was detained.